Comparing the heating system options for your Albany home can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t help that almost everyone has an opinion about the “best” way to keep your home warm, but in actuality, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What’s right for someone else’s home might not work in yours.
Although your budget is undoubtedly a big part of the decision-making process, there are other factors to consider when choosing a heating system. To get started, focus on these considerations to ensure you get the most cost-effective and energy-efficient equipment.
What To Think About When Buying a New Heating System
To get the most for your money and enjoy consistent and reliable heat, compare your options using this checklist.
Size and Heating Capacity
Can the heating system warm your home the way you want it to? A system that’s too small won’t produce enough heat, while an oversized furnace will use excessive energy. Your home’s square footage and number of rooms are part of the calculation, but HVAC professionals also take into account your home’s orientation, insulation, and the number of people who live there when calculating the perfect heater size.
You cannot overlook climate suitability, either, as one of the factors to consider when choosing a heating system. New York winters can be brutal, so a heating system that can keep up with frigid temperatures that consistently drop well below freezing is non-negotiable. This usually means a traditional combustion furnace is the best choice for most homeowners.
Heat pumps offer exceptional energy efficiency, but because they work by transferring heat, they’re not always the best choice for an area that frequently experiences subzero temperatures.
Energy Source
Heating systems can get energy from oil, gas, or propane, as well as electricity. When choosing your system, you’ll need to compare the cost of running the furnace as well as the availability and convenience of the energy source. If you already have an oil or propane furnace, you may opt to stay with that style since you likely already have the storage tank in place.
Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy rates furnaces using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating to measure the energy efficiency of furnaces, and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) to rate heat pumps. The higher the efficiency rating, the less it costs to operate the system.
Overall Cost
The price of the furnace or heat pump isn’t the only expense to consider. Look at how much you’ll spend to own it, including installation costs and maintenance requirements, when comparing options. Some systems might seem expensive upfront but are actually more affordable over the life of the unit.
Get Help From the Local Experts
Albany, NY, homeowners who need help making sense of the factors to consider when choosing a heating system can get help from Grasshopper Heating & Cooling.
Call (518) 252-7939 and one of our experienced HVAC professionals can help you navigate these issues and find the perfect solution for your needs and budget.
Our crew will manage the installation, too, ensuring flawless operation and thermostat compatibility so your home stays comfortable, despite the cold weather.
